NCJ Number
223540
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 77 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 1-7
Date Published
July 2008
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the challenges facing law enforcement leaders in preparing their agencies for an avian flu H5N1 pandemic.
Abstract
Scientists believe that an influenza pandemic will occur, although the timing and severity cannot easily be predicted. In order to assist in emergency preparedness planning, a panel of experts met in Modesto, CA, to discuss how the flu pandemic would impact the working force and how to begin preparing for it. One of the issues discussed was the need for law enforcement leaders to inform the media about pandemic preparations and even to include them in the development of departmental plans, so as to avoid sensationalized and inaccurate media reporting regarding the threats posed by the pandemic and the response to it. Law enforcement leaders must also provide employees with training and timely information about the flu virus transmission. A departmental plan should forecast absences from work; provide details on how to avoid face-to-face contact among employees; and plan for access to health services for employees, including mental health services. The panel emphasized the importance of employees preparing their own families for safety precautions. Without home plans for each employee, it will be difficult to enforce mandatory attendance at work. Other challenges cited by the panel are methods for enforcing mandatory quarantines, effective communication between the police and the public, and the development of a mutual aid plan across agencies. Regarding the latter issue, a management-level person should be designated to develop and coordinate partnerships with other local and State agencies. Suggestions are offered for coordinating a tabletop exercise on responding to a pandemic, conducting a "preparedness day" in which a checklist for pandemic preparedness is distributed along with items included on it, and the purchase of equipment needed for a pandemic. 8 notes